Graduate Professional (Weapons of Mass Destruction Programme, multiple positions)

Background

The United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) is an autonomous institution within the United Nations (UN) that conducts independent research on disarmament and related problems, particularly international security issues. The vision of UNIDIR is a stable and more secure world in which States and people are protected from threats of arms-related violence. The role of UNIDIR is to support Member States, the UN and policy and research communities in advancing ideas and actions that contribute to a more sustainable and peaceful world. UNIDIR is based in the Palais des Nations, Geneva.

UNIDIR’s Weapons of Mass Destruction Programme works to support disarmament, arms control and non-proliferation initiatives in these areas. We identify policy options for Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) verification regimes, enhance systems for dual-use governance, facilitate dialogue in support of strategic predictability and work to address the full range of risks that could lead to use of nuclear weapons.

Responsibilities

Within UNIDIR’s WMD Programme, the Graduate Professional shall perform the following duties under the supervision of the Head of Programme:

• Assist with background research, particularly for the Nuclear Disarmament Verification workstream on a project related to consolidating knowledge on verification into a digital tool;
• Assist with the logistical and substantive production of meetings and events, particularly for the Nuclear Risk Reduction workstream on a series of events in preparation for the Nonproliferation Treaty review conference;
• Assist with the full life-cycle of publications;
• Assist with the planning and implementation of other programme activities;
• Contribute to day-to-day tasks, including communication and administrative matters;
• Perform other tasks, as required by programme staff

Key skills/ interests

• Research and presentation skills;
• Ability to synthesize information into concise, high-quality written briefs;
• Organization and coordination of multiple tasks;
• Interpersonal, teamwork and communication skills (written and oral);
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools (in particular Word, Excel and PowerPoint) and other software and tools such as Zoom, Trello, Canva and InDesign;
• Interest in WMD, nuclear disarmament, verification, risk reduction or related fields, as well as interest in international peace and security, disarmament, gender issues and the work of the UN.

Competencies

The Graduate Professional is to demonstrate the core values of the UN: Professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity. In addition, in this role, the Graduate Professional will demonstrate the following competences:

• Communication: Identifies the information needs of target audiences and tailors communication accordingly, drafts clearly and concisely, good written and oral language skills, demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
• Teamwork: Good interpersonal skills, ability to work collaboratively with colleagues from different national and cultural backgrounds to achieve organizational goals.
• Planning and organizing: Uses time efficiently, foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning, monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary to ensure tasks are completed.
• Creativity: Actively seeks to improve programmes or services, offers new and different options to solve problems, takes an interest in new ideas and ways of doing things, is not bound by current thinking or traditional approaches.
• Client orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be ‘clients’ and seeks to understand and reflect the clients’ points of view in their work.

Qualifications and experience

Education

To qualify for the Graduate and Professional Program (GPP) with the UN, applicants must meet one of the following requirements:

• Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); or
• Have graduated with a university degree (second university degree, as defined above) and, if selected, must commence the graduate professional programme within a one-year period of graduation.

Preference will be given to applicants with qualifications relevant to WMD disarmament related issues, for instance in the fields of international relations, political science, international law and international security.

Work experience

For this position, applicants:

• Are not required to have professional work experience for participation in the programme, while demonstrated experience/interest in background research, organizing events and administrative matters, as well as in the topics of WMD, nuclear disarmament, verification, risk reduction or related fields will be considered an asset;
• Shall be computer literate in standard software applications, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint); knowledge of other software and tools will be considered an asset, in particular: Zoom, Trello, Canva and InDesign;
• Shall have a demonstrated ability to organize and coordinate multiple tasks;
• Shall have a demonstrated keen interest in the work of the UN and have a personal commitment to the ideals of the UN Charter; and
• Shall have a demonstrated ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, which includes willingness to understand and be tolerant of differing opinions and views.

Languages

For the position advertised, fluency in English (both oral and written) is required. Knowledge of at least one other UN official language will be considered an asset.

Stipend

The Graduate Professionals or their sponsoring institution are responsible for the costs and arrangements for travel, visas, health insurance, accommodation and living expenses in Geneva. Graduate professionals will receive a modest monthly stipend of USD 1,331 (in person) or USD 665.5 (remote) as a contribution to the living expenses.

Screening questions

Please explain how you meet the following criteria in 250 characters or less for each point:

• Candidates must be enrolled in a graduate programme or must commence the GPP within a one-year period of graduation. State your latest/current education qualification (type of degree, field of study, institution, country); as well as your starting and (expected) finishing date.
• Demonstrated ability to organize and coordinate multiple tasks (required).
• Experience/interest in background research, organizing events and administrative matters (desirable).
• Experience/interest in the topics of WMD, nuclear disarmament, verification, risk reduction or related fields (desirable). 
• Computer literacy in standard software applications, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Power Point) (required). Knowledge of other software and tools, in particular: Zoom, Trello, Canva and InDesign (desirable). 
• Languages skills: fluency in English, both oral and written (required).  Knowledge of at least one other official UN language (desirable).